I have to admit I’m an old-school official, probably caused by my old age, and I’m not thrilled about how games are being officiated today. Obviously, things change over the years, caused partly by the athletes themselves being so much better, but also from outside influences such as fans, coaches and possibly the media.
It’s just one man’s opinion, but the “just let ‘em play” has gotten out of hand in the past few years. For example, DPI and OPI no-calls have gotten ridiculous under the guise of hand fighting. If, by using his hands the player affects the ability of an opponent to make a play, it should be a foul. However, that isn’t what supervisors or coaches want to be called. If it’s just a little push, then it’s not deemed to be enough of a “train wreck” to call. Would it make games longer? Probably.
While I’m ranting, the “holding” by wide receivers is so subjective it is nuts. Officials are taught that as long as the defensive player is kept in front of the blocker, it’s perfectly fine to grasp the jersey and restrict, especially if the hands don’t get outside of the frame of the body. However, if the defensive player can pull away from the hold, and there is still restriction, then it may or may not get called. It’s a coin flip as this is just not consistently called. Better yet, why don’t they install rock/paper/scissors to decide? Again, supervisors and coaches want it to be a train wreck before it gets called. Holding by the interior line? Give me a break! Nobody really knows what that is any longer, but it better be BIG or it’s not supposed to be flagged. Could it be called on every single play. Absolutely!
Replay? OMG. The equipment these guys have to work with is 1,000 times better than it used to be. But, the RO’s have been told they need to be perfect, it’s ok if the guys on the field miss a call, but if the play is reviewable by rule, you better not get it wrong, and just to help, there are people in a video center to help! Of course, they sometimes feel they need to interject their opinion, which means they can turn a simple decision into a ruling by committee, which almost always takes twice as long as it should. And, RO’s in the booth, due to the pressure of the position, sometimes decide, or are told by the video center, to shut the play down for a closer look. Twice last night the game was stopped unnecessarily. Why? It was obvious that the line-to-gain had not been made, what idiot made the decision to stop the game?
I, of all people, know how hard it is to be an official. I had a great 48 year career. I can still remember a call I made in a high school game in 1991 that I absolutely blew. It was in a game with Hillcrest High in Dallas. But, I went to the coach and admitted I had blown it. I think he appreciated I did that. But to get back on track, there is a huge shortage of officials. Young people just don’t want to devote the time and effort needed to move up. And, coaches incessant complaining during the game (yes, Sonny, you are a serious offender), fans wanting to physically harm you, and players that disrespect you, it just doesn’t seem to be worth it.
If you read this entire vent, thanks. I had to get some things off my chest. It’s time for me to go back into hibernation.
